Istanbul 1 Day Itinerary [2024]

Exploring the Turkish capital but don’t have much time? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with this Istanbul 1-Day Itinerary!

Get ready for a jam-packed day in Istabul!

How to get around Istanbul

Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul

Istanbul has a good metro system and taking taxis are relatively cheap, but this itinerary is best done by walking. Attractions are relatively close to each other and walking times are short.

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

However, if you get tired, I would recommend you take a taxi or call one from the Uber app. Be careful with hailing taxis off the street, and make sure if the drivers don’t use a meter that you negotiate your price beforehand.

What to wear in Istanbul

Like Ralph pictuered here at the Hagia Sophia, try to dress conservatively in Istanbul.

You will be visiting a lot of holy and scared religious sites on this day, so to be safe, I would advise you to not wear any shorts, singlets, short skirts or hats. Different places enforce different rules, but as a general rule of thumb – try to dress more conservatively. Women are expected to cover their knees and cleavage. Men are expected not to wear tank top singlets and also to cover their knees.

What to see in Istanbul in 1 Day

Are you ready for your 1-Day Itinerary in Istanbul?

Although you’re going to see a lot during your 1-day stay in Istanbul, you’re not going to see everything. If you have an extra day in the Turkish capital, I would recommend you also visit places such as Grand Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress.

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The Blue Mosque is one of Turkey’s most iconic sights. Constructed in the early 1600s, the Blue Mosque is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fred in front of Blue Mosque

Make sure you also visit the inside of the mosque, as the detailing is quite spectacular.

Hagia Sophia

Exterior of Hagia Sophia

Right next to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia is possibly the most impressive architectural marvel in the whole city, and is considered a bucket list item for many.

Stunning interior of Hagia Sophia

The mosque has a very interesting history. It was built as a cathedral between the years 532 and 537, and was called the Church of Holy Wisdom. At the time, the structure was considered to have changed the history of architecture. After the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire in 1453, the structure was converted to a mosque and into what it is now.

You can see how crowded Hagia Sophia can get here.

It will be crowded when you visit Hagia Sophia! Make sure to get in as early as possible. Hagia Sophia is open from 9am.

Topkapi Palace

In front of Topkapi Palace

Just a short walk away from Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace is a palace museum that served as the primary place of residence of the Ottoman sultants between the 15th and 16th centuries.

Front courtyard of Topkapi Palace

Intricate detailing in Topkapi Palace

Inside, marvel at the opulently decorated rooms the Turkish royals used to live in. If you’re short on time, witness the palace from the outside before moving on to your next stop.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul

Suleymaniye Mosque doesn’t quite get the same attention as more recognisable names such as the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque, but I’d say it’s just as impressive.

Fred at Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul

Morever, there are also far less visitors to this underrated mosque. This mosque is absolutely beautiful, and what I loved about it is that it also offers great panoramic views of the capital city.

Be treated to views of Istanbul when visiting Suleymaniye Mosque

Rustem Pasha Mosque

Blue exterior of Rustem Pasha Mosque

Another super underrated mosque in Istanbul, Rustem Pasha Mosque is located just a few minutes’ walk from Suleymaniye Mosque but is completely different.

Inside Rustem Pasha Mosque

What’s unique about Rustem Pasha Mosque is that the interior of this mosque is decorated in blue tiling - which gives it a peaceful and serene quality.

What makes Rustem Pasha Mosque unique is its blue colour.

Misir Carsisi

Entrance to Misir Carsisi (Spice Bazaar) in Istanbul

A great alternative to the Grand Bazaar, Misir Carsisi is a large Spize Bazaar market. Be warned that the market gets extremely crowded and might be a breeding ground for pickpockets. It’s worth a quick visit, though.

It can get crowded in Misir Carsisi!

Pickpocketing is common in Istanbul. Be vigilant.

Yeni Cami Mosque

Yeni Cami Mosque, Istanbul

If you’re not all mosque-ed out yet, then we have one more on the list - although this one can be seen just from the outside.

Yeni Cami Mosque can be briefly visited on the way to Galata Bridge. The Yeni Cami Mosque features gorgeous dome roofs and imposing towers, and is a staple of Istanbul’s skyline.

Galata Bridge

View from Galata Bridge, Istanbul

From the Galata Bridge, you’ll get a stunning view of the Bosporus channel. If you have time, you may choose to take a ferry tour of the channel. However, for the purposes of time-saving, you can simply cross this bridge and check out everything going on around it.

If you have time, you can go on a ferry boat ride from Galata Bridge.

You’ll likely see locals fishing, children playing and be treated to a wonderful panorama of Istanbul on both sides.

Fishermen at Galata Bridge.

Another look at Istanbul from the Galata Bridge.

Galata Tower

Galata Tower, Istanbul

After crossing Galata Bridge, it’s time to visit Galata Tower! This tower is another immediately recognisable Turkish landmark.

Standing at 67 metres, this is a classic example of Byzantine architecture and serves as a panoramic viewpoint. Although the view up there is amazing, it’s likely that you won’t have time to line up and enter for this itinerary (lines are notoriously long and it can take 45 minutes to an hour to finally get in).

View of Galata Tower from a quiet street.

Instead, walk through one of the quiet streets around the tower and take photos of the tower through this angle seen above.

Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street, Istanbul

You can’t leave Istanbul without walking down Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Street). This one of Turkey’s most famous avenues, and a place where you can see locals, tourists and everyone else in between interacting with each together.

If you have time, sit at a café, try the local cuisine here and shop for souvenirs.

How many sights did you end up seeing in Istanbul? Let me know in the comments below!

Check out my photos of my trip to Turkey on Instagram!